Shahabalah!

Calvin on Christ.

From Boar's Head Tavern:

“When we see that the whole sum of our salvation, and every single part of it, are comprehended in Christ, we must beware of deriving even the minutest portion of it from any other quarter. If we seek salvation, we are taught by the very name of Jesus that he possesses it; if we seek any other gifts of the Spirit, we shall find them in his unction; strength in his government; purity in his conception; indulgence in his nativity, in which he was made like us in all respects, in order that he might learn to sympathize with us: if we seek redemption, we shall find it in his passion; acquittal in his condemnation; remission of the curse in his cross; satisfaction in his sacrifice; purification in his blood; reconciliation in his descent to hell; mortification of the flesh in his sepulcher; newness of life in his resurrection; immortality also in his resurrection; the inheritance of a celestial kingdom in his entrance into heaven; protection, security, and the abundant supply of all blessings, in his kingdom; secure anticipation of judgment in the power of judging committed to him. In fine, since in him all kinds of blessings are treasured up, let us draw a full supply from him, and none from any other quarter. Those who, not satisfied with him alone, entertain various hopes from others, though they may continue to look to him chiefly, deviate from the right path by the simple fact, that some portion of their thought takes a different direction. No distrust of this description can arise when once the abundance of his blessings is properly known.”

{John Calvin, *Institutes*, Bk 2 Ch 16 Paragraph 19}

Madness.

{Great Lake Swimmers - Various Stages}

I have seen you in various stages of undress.
I have seen you through various states of madness.
I have seen your refractions and I did not recognize you.
I have seen you in various states of madness.

How high your highest of heights...How low are your lows...
How high your highest of heights...How low are your lows...

I am sorry I had nothing left for you.
My mind was willing and my spirit was strong.
My lips were tired and tightened from singing along.
My eyelids are heavy as anchors thrown over.

How high your highest of heights...How low are your lows...
How high your highest of heights...How low are your lows...

I have seen you in the eyes of a hundred thousand other stranger faces.
I have seen you in unlikely and unfamiliar places.
I have seen you be reckless in matters of love.
I have seen by degrees the boiling point come and go.

How high your highest of heights...How low are your lows...
How high your highest of heights...How low are your lows...
What lies at the end of this long and dark and twisted road?
How high your highest of heights...How low are your lows...

I have seen you in various stages of undress.
I have seen you through various states of madness.

---

I see more than one love-relationship I've been in when searching the lyrics of this song. Funny how something so unique as two people coming together can result in experiences shared by many others...sometimes by people you've never met (but that are going through, or have walked, the same path).

As I was listening to this song tonight, I thought about the love of God towards me, towards humanity. And, I wondered --

Is there not a madness in the way God loves us?

This is not to pass judgment. Not to condemn God's love using my own definitions. But -- it seems to me like there is an amazing recklessness there. Highs and lows. Emptiness. Vulnerability. Confusion. Mystery.

And yet, in all of this, shaping a song as a testament to the experience of love. Of this madness, this recklessness, comes a song. Music instead of silence. Creativity. Beauty.

Reciprocity. Reflection.

And so, we see ourselves tangled in the web of love. We cannot escape it -- whether it is our own or another's.

Then, Let Us Find [It]...

Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.

{Carl Sagan}

+++

Go, now, and find that something, somewhere. And do well to make sure you've found that right thing. Otherwise, a tumultuous life awaits you.

+++

So, I adjure you by the words of the great thinker C.S. Lewis:

What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step.

Over The Rhine - I Want You To Be My Love.

A wonderful fan-made video for a beautiful song.

I'll say (hopefully without "ruining" the effect) that the style of this video (especially the final scene) reminded me of Michel Gondry's work (particularly from "The Science of Sleep").

Feist - I Feel It All.

This young lady has been charming me with her music for about a month now (ever since I picked up her newest album "The Reminder" on iTunes).

The album can take a moment to grow on you -- mostly due to the varying styles of music and vocal work throughout. However, for those who stick with it, a sure treat awaits.

One thing I have noticed, and am starting to understand a bit better with repeat hearings, is the sometimes dark/melancholy songwriting. Even in tracks with upbeat music, the lyrics can be depressed -- speaking to what I imagine are times of hurt in the lyricist's own life.

I can understand why "The Reminder" has been featured on numerous top-10 lists for best album of 2007...it offers more every time you play it.

Remember.

You can be so interested in great theological and intellectual and philosophical problems that you tend to forget that you are going to die.

{Martyn Lloyd-Jones}

---

Is this forgetfulness good, bad, or both? Why?

Damien Rice - Cannonball.

The antithetical experiences of life, presented lyrically and musically.

Mystery.

---

Thanks to Dan for posting this on his blog so that I could watch and be inspired to post it here.

Mystery is a fascinating thing. During this speech, I couldn't help but think about my spirituality and the overwhelming amount of things hidden and unknown. For me, while sometimes frustrating, it is definitely appealing.

What are the mysteries in your life? Do they help you find meaning, beauty, and satisfaction? Or do they hinder the journey?

Quotable Quote.

I found this little blurb on Joshua Blankenship's blog about a week ago and it has stuck with me ever since then. Constantly coming to my mind; always "relevant" for the conversations/thoughts I've been recently having:

We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.

{Albert Einstein}

+++

I spoke with my roommate last night about some frustrations I have with the church (universal, and local) right now. Places and things where we just don't see eye-to-eye.

This "unrest" won't quiet itself. I feel less like a critic now, but I can't shake these perceptions. Feeling torn between a call to encourage and build up, but also feeling the need to speak up.

What is the best way to voice concerns to members of the church? Especially in ministries you are part of?

50 Years, 50 Things.

Found this nice little list of 50 things this gentleman learned in his 50 years of existence. I think that we (those who are younger) can learn a lot from those who are more advanced than us in years. A lot of wisdom comes from simply living life - and much of what would be beneficial for us to know doesn't necessarily come easily or naturally. For myself, I plan on paying attention to the words of my elders. Not that I necessarily have to agree, or will always understand - but it never hurts to help form perspective.

* As an added bonus - check out this list. Valuable insight from a man who has been following Jesus for 30+ years. I hope to have wise things to share when I am further along in my own journey.

New Year, New List.

Looking back on 2007, I feel like I grew in a lot of ways (spiritually, mentally, emotionally). 2007 was a good year of life - new experiences, new relationships, new journeys set out upon. Now that 2008 is upon us, I have created a list of goals for the year. We'll see how it goes...

. Finish The Brothers Karamazov {Before May}
. Memorize Hebrews Chapter 10
. Start Running/Training {Not For A Marathon, For The Use Of The Shoes You Already Own}
. Create A Healthy Meal Plan {And Stick To It}
. Try To Eat Out Less {It's Expensive}
. Walk More
. Develop The Discipline Of Intercessory Prayer
. Learn More About Photography
. Take More Pictures {Print And Give Some To Friends...They Might Like Them}
. Journal {Private} And Blog {Public} More
. Don't Let Your Left Hand Know What The Right Is Doing {=Generosity – Increased and In Secret}
. Do Something With Your Guitar. Seriously – Learn Something
. Leave KY Again {It Worked Out Well Last Year}
. Camp/Hike/Backpack {Finally Use All The Stuff You Bought}
. Institute A True {As True As You Are Capable} Sabbath Into The Week
. {Try To} See At Least Half Of Your Most Wanted Concerts
. Graduate Your High School Guys “Successfully” {Don't Lose Touch With Them Afterwards}
. Find Peace/Purpose/Practicality In Regards To Work
. Drink More Water
. Develop A Daily Devotional Time {God Is Worth It}
. Finish Celebration of Discipline
. Finish The Screwtape Letters {And Finish Discussing It With Will}
. Less Is More. Get Rid Of Stuff You Don't Really Need {Practice Minimalism/Frugality}
. Continue To Practice Being Quick To Listen, Slow To Speak
. Continue Practicing The Art Of Silence
. Read More. Theology. Fine Literature. Newspapers. Magazines.
. Work On The Whole Worry/Anxiety Deal
. Learn To Trust God, And Others
. Practice The Discipline Of Patience
. Learn To Worship In Spirit And Truth
. Stop Comparing Yourself To Other People {Being Better Or Worse}
. Be More Intentional About Expressing Love And Thanks
. Strive To Win Your Lady's Heart By Presenting It Wholly To Jesus
. Be Honest With God {You Still Have Room To Grow}
. Continue To Broaden Your Horizons – Musically/Artistically Speaking
. Try New Foods, New Experiences, New Things
. If Nothing Else, Study These Books {Job, Ecclesiastes, Isaiah, John, and Revelation}
. Visit At Least Five Different Churches {Different Denominations, Different Demographics}
. Spend Quality Time With Family And Friends (Schedule It If You Have To}
. Meet At Least One New Person This Year {In An Intentional, Real Way}
. Don't Be Ashamed Of Who You Are – Celebrate God's Unique Creation Of You
. Take One Class At Seminary {Seriously, Just Try It Out – No Obligations}
. Live More Independently – Don't Be Afraid To Try Something On Your Own
. Ask More Questions
. Take A Seat At The Lowest Place At The Table {Cultivate Humility}
. Watch More Movies {Go Ahead, You Know You Want To}
. Delete Your MySpace Account. Log Into Facebook Less. Try Out The Real World
. Stop Being Embarrassed About Being A Christian Around People Who Are Not Believers
. Be A Really Good Roommate {Even If Kaleb Turns Out To Be A Bad One}
. Open Your Apartment To Friends, Family, Neighbors, And {As Appropriate} Strangers
. Make Top-5 Lists Relating To A Plethora Of Topics
. Make A Budget And Stick To It {Be Wise With Your Resources}
. Start Looking For A House And Figure Out A Couple Things About Life Before Buying
. Pray For Eduardo {At Least} Weekly, Write Him {At Least} Monthly {Send Him Polaroids, Too}
. Add More Stuff To This List {Try To Mark Some Stuff Off As Well}

Who To Choose?

I'll admit that I am {very} out-of-step when it comes to staying current regarding politics. I'm as far as having opinions about things - which leaves knowing nothing about currently running candidates, their respective views, and whether or not I should even show up Election Day.

I found this nice little site {which is very well-designed, by the way}. It should, obviously, not be the end-all in regards to who you will support this year - but it's a good way to spark interest, to dip your toe into political involvement, and find out a little about the various players.

After taking the test, it seems I match up best with Barack Obama.

I want to investigate further before I make any decisions - but I'm definitely more involved now {than I've probably ever been}. Shame on me, of course - but at least there's growth potential - right?

That Song's Too Vapid.

This article is a good read if you have found yourself, as I often have been, uninspired and wanting in regards to truth, beauty, and depth in Christian music.

Thankfully, I have found artists like Derek Webb, Michael Card, John Mark McMillan, and Mark Mathis to be a breath of fresh air when it comes to Christian worship and genuine musicianship. Of course these are not the only players worth mentioning - but are a few that have helped move me towards God in ways I wasn't always aware existed.

If we limit our musical expression of worship to specific feelings, too often, we run the risk of relegating our beloved tunes to the graveyard of baseness. All things are lawful, but not all things are beneficial.

I Wanna Be A Pagan!

This book review highlights a lot of the problems I have been seeing in regards to "movements" within Christianity - focused specifically on ecclesiology (to the desire of total Church reformation). I think this quote sums it up pretty well:

[This book] will give ammunition to those who already dislike the churches they have encountered...

{emphasis mine}

Make no mistake, this review points out the implications not of the presence of some specific paper-bound item, but the hearts and minds behind it. As far as it raises good questions about our presuppositions regarding Church practice, etc. - I could agree it's worthwhile - but in the undermining of church history and tradition, I cannot consent.

It should be noted that I have not read this book, and am simply struck by seeing something in another realm that so accurately portrays problems I have witnessed in my own church community.

It is frightening how quickly the option has become either overhaul or division.

Self Aggrandizement

Well, not entirely. I know that some people who read this blog do not necessarily subscribe to the daily devotions sent out by my church - so I wanted to make it known that my new batch is finally making the rounds.

Please check them out here.

As always, comments, concerns, etc. are appreciated.

A New Year - An Open Letter.

To the saints, those called according to His purposes:

I adjure you, in the name of the Lord Jesus, to make peace with each other. Let there be found, within this Body, no quarrels, debates, arguments or dissension in either word or deed. Rather, let us stand against the rulers and principalities of this present darkness. I charge you, as ambassadors for Christ, to live the message of reconciliation both inwardly and outwardly. Let us live at peace with one another, and let us prove our words by our deeds. Let us live like the one we call Lord.

Division: Either/Or, Not Both/And

It seems, to me, that the division of the Church has come from - at its core - adherents to two particular ideologies refusing to exist cooperatively. Rather than seeking genuine ecumenism - a schism occurs. The blade that cuts is Traditionalism (adherence to tradition, especially in cultural or religious practice) vs. Innovation (the introduction of new things or methods). In other words - saying "This is how it is, and how it ever shall be" vs. "New things are happening!"

I see God, however, participating in both these acts in Scripture:

Paul admonishes us in Hebrews (13:7-8) to "Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith," because, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." {emphasis mine}

On the other hand, we hear God speak through the prophet Isaiah (43:18-19): "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing..." {emphasis mine}

It seems there is a unification that comes from remembering the saints before us (imitating the successes of their faith) - firmly established in the unchanging nature of Jesus - mixed with the realization that God acts creatively.

Can tradition and innovation co-exist?

Links:

Refuse to Choose

The Primacy of the Imagination